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Richie Mo'unga set for milestone match against Moana Pasifika
By Finn Morton
Playmaker Richie Mo’unga will play his 100th match in Crusaders colours on Friday night when the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions take on Moana Pasifika in Christchurch.
Mo’unga will raise the bat for the Crusaders later this week when he runs out onto the same stadium he debuted at seven years ago.
Since making his debut in the opening round of the 2016 season against the Chiefs, Mo’unga has led the decorated franchise to six titles in as many years.
The 44-Test All Black is set to leave the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby behind after this year’s World Cup after inking a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan.
Ahead of his milestone match, the 28-year-old said that he always wanted to play 100 matches for the famous franchise.
“Ever since I walked through those doors at Rugby Park and saw how celebrated centurions are, it was pretty clear I wanted to be one myself,” Mo’unga said in a statement.
Mo’unga’s milestone headlines a star-studded team naming for the Crusaders, as the title holders welcome back a number of players from injury stints.
Quinten Strange will replace Scott Barrett in the No. 4 jersey this week, while Macca Springer and Jack Goodhue have also been named to return.
Finlay Brewis and All Black David Havili are also available this week, and will be ready if called upon after being selected on the Crusaders’ bench.
“It’s awesome to have those guys back,” coach Scott Robertson said.
“Moana are power athletes and when they get it right, they’re dangerous.
“Tamati Ellison ahs been really clear about what we need to achieve defensively, so we’ll be showing them the respect they deserve by preparing well.”
After beating the Reds in Brisbane last week, the Crusaders have made seven changes to their starting XV to take on Moana Pasifika.
Other than Quinten Strange at lock, Corey Kellow is the only other change in the forward pack – with the 21-year-old set to start in the coveted No. 7 jersey.
Mitchell Drummond has returned to the run-on side this week, and will partner milestone man Mo’unga in the halves.
In-form utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku will join Goodhue in the midfield after shifting to outside centre from the left wing.
Macca Springer and Will Gualter have been included in a new-look outside back trio this week – the latter being handed his first start for the Crusaders.
Crusaders team to take on Moana Pasifika
- Joe Moody
- Codie Taylor
- Tamaiti Williams
- Quinten Strange
- Dominic Gardiner
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Corey Kellow
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Mitchell Drummond
- Richie Mo’unga
- Macca Springer
- Jack Goodhue
- Leicester Fainga’anuku
- Will Gualter
- Fergus Burke
Replacements:
- Brodie McAlister
- Finlay Brewis
- Seb Calder
- Jamie Hannah
- Tom Christie
- Willi Heinz
- David Havili
- Melani Nanai
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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